11 Best Earplugs For Swimming In 2024 And To Avoid Water In Ears
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Swimming is an excellent choice of sport for those who want to stay fit while looking for a way to beat the scorching summers. Whether you are a professional swimmer or a novice, you might have experienced water entering your ears when you take a dip. This can hinder your time in the pool as it is plain annoying but may lead to more severe problems such as ear infections in the long run.
To ensure that you have a comfortable time swimming, you need a pair of earplugs to prevent water from entering your ears. If you’re wondering how to pick the best earplugs for swimming, we’ve curated a list of some tried-and-tested and best earplugs for swimming to help you pick the perfect pair.
Top Picks
Benefits Of Using Earplugs For Swimming
- Swimmer’s ear
When ears are exposed to water for a long time, it can lead to otitis externa, commonly known as swimmer’s ear. Repeated exposure to water can increase the chances of the ears being prone to inflammation, and its symptoms include irritation in the ears, itching, scaling, secretions, and pain. Earplugs prevent the entry of water into your ears, thus reducing the chances of a swimmer’s ear.
- Water-borne diseases
Apart from swimmer’s ears, there are high chances of the water containing bacteria and fungus that can be detrimental to your health through diseases like typhoid and cholera. So, to prevent fungi/bacteria from entering your ears and for a safe swim, you will need earplugs.
- Noise cancellation
Some earplugs help eliminate a lot of background noise that can be detrimental to your hearing levels. Earplugs can block high-frequency and low-frequency noises and are suitable in places like loud work environments or concerts.
Types Of Earplugs
- Foam
Earplugs made up of foam help a lot in noise cancellation. They resemble a tightly compressed cylinder that expands and fits the ear when inserted. Whether it is low-frequency or high-frequency noise, this type of earplugs helps block both, thanks to the noise reduction rating of 33 units, making them suitable for concerts or loud work environments.
- Silicone
These watersport earplugs are made using silicone and feature three or four flanges that look like a dome or a cone. They help the earplugs stay intact when inserted into the ears and can act as a watertight seal, making them suitable for water sports like swimming, water aerobics, and water polo. To use them, lift your ears outwards, insert the earplugs into them, release your ears, and you are good to go!
- Custom-made
Sometimes, one size might not fit all. You might not feel comfortable with silicone or foam earplugs because the shape of your ear canal might be different. What if you can use a pair of earplugs that are customized to suit your ears? Custom-made earplugs are manufactured by taking the impression of the ears by an audiologist to fit your ears perfectly. Based on the activity, like swimming or working in noisy environments, the effectiveness of such earplugs vary. Regardless of your needs and wants, they’ve got you covered!
11 Best Earplugs For Swimming
1. Best Reusable:TYR Kids Soft Silicone Ear Plugs
Avoid getting water in your little swimmer’s ears with these silicone earplugs. They form a secure, tight seal to keep your child’s ears dry. These earplugs for kids come in a pack of six pairs in three eye-catching colors to match all your swimsuits. You don’t need to buy different sizes of earplugs for your children because the soft silicone construction allows for a customized fit.
Pros
- Reusable
- Easy to use
- Lightweight design
- Comes with a carrying case
Cons
- Might not be soft enough for some
- Might fall out often
Do remember2. Best Lightweight:Speedo Ergo Ear Plugs
Speedo takes pride in being one of the leading brands for manufacturing swimming gear, so you’re assured of their high-quality earplugs too. Are you looking for a pair of earplugs that can easily be inserted and removed from the ears? Well, your search ends here!
These earplugs provide watertight comfort and hassle-free usage. They are also soft and made of high-quality TPR that is PVC-free to prevent leaks, making it a good option for those who want to take a dip in the water. Check out this review video detailing a tester’s experience with using the earplugs.
Pros
- Watertight fitting
- Comes with a storage case
- Lightweight design
- Easy to use
- Can be used while shampooing
Cons
- Package may not have instructions
- May be slightly large for small ears
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
A whopping 1,946 reviews on Amazon make it obvious that users genuinely love this product.
3. Best Washable:Mack’s AquaBlock Earplugs
The official earplugs of the USA swimming team, this set of earplugs from Mack’s is highly recommended by healthcare professionals for preventing ear infections. Made using high-quality silicone, the pair is suitable for all water activities, including aquatics events such as swimming or just for spending some time unwinding in the water.
Its unique and flexible stem, triple flange design, and high sealing ability help in giving its users a snug fit, making it a nice add on in your swimming kit. These swimming and surfing earplugs are washable, reusable, and come in a durable case. Here’s a review video detailing a tester’s experience with using the Mack’s earplugs.
Pros
- Durable
- Easy to store and highly portable
- Suitable for children and adults
- Latex-free
Cons
- Some may find them a bit loose
- May have a tendency to slip deeper into the ear
"I always keep these in my bag as they keep water away from my ears, even when snorkeling or surfing. It takes me a moment to get them sitting just right, but they remain in place once worn. All in all, they are durable and the perfect find to avoid swimmer's ear."
CautionTYR Kids Soft Silicone Ear Plugs Best Reusable | Speedo Ergo Ear Plugs Best Lightweight | Mack’s AquaBlock Earplugs Best Washable | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Material | Silicone | Polyvinyl Chloride | Silicone |
| Color | Assorted | Silver | Purple |
| Number of Items | - | 1 | - |
| Dimensions LxWxH | - | 0.39 x 0.2 x 0.39 inches | - |
| Dimensions | - | - | 5 x 2 x 0.62 inches |
| Weight | - | - | 0.63 Ounces. |
| Rating | |||
| Reviews | - | 1,946 | 718 |
| Price | $7.97 | $7 | $9.99 |
4. Best Comfortable:WaterDam Swimming Earplugs
Usually, earplugs are manufactured by sticking to a standard size, but these super-soft silicone earplugs by WaterDam have been customized for different age groups, ranging from toddlers to adults. It has a unique matte design with a compact seal and a stem that resembles a bullet to fit perfectly in your ears and not fall out easily, reducing the chances of distending or apex-angle pain.
Pros
- Auricle-shaped anti-slide design
- Available in four sizes
- Size guide available
- Easy to clean with alcohol or mild soap
Cons
- Some may find it tedious to pull out
- Some may not find them comfortable
"It took my child some practice to get the hang of these earplugs insertion method, but they have now become his favorite. The variety of sizes also made it easy to pick the right one for him, and the colors continue to look vibrant despite being used regularly."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
This product is so liked by shoppers that it has gained over 777 great reviews on Amazon.
5. Best With Stylish Wings:Hearprotek Custom-Fit Swimmer Earplugs
If you’re planning to buy earplugs that enable you to hear while wearing them, these are for you. When it comes to upgrading your swimming gear, these waterproof earplugs from Hearprotek are worth considering. Their three stylish wings offer a custom fit and keep the plugs in place.
The waterproof mesh and the acoustic core ensure sound entry but effectively keep water away. Available in four pieces per set with storage cases and three colors of green, blue, and orange, this versatile pair of open-ear earplugs is ideal for swimming and other sports such as kayaking.
Pros
- Easy-to-spot colors for easy recovery if lost
- Stay in place
- Easy to insert and remove
- Offer a secure fit
- Comfortable
Cons
- May not fit small children
- Some may not find them watertight enough
"I've been wearing these earplugs when I swim, and they work just as well, whether at the pool or the beach. They are comfortable and even allow some sound in, which is a pro as it helps me stay aware of my surroundings. Just remember to get the right size to ensure a snug fit."
6. Best Hypoallergenic:Zoggs Aqua Plugz Silicone Ear Plugs
With these hypoallergenic ear plugs, your child can focus on their swimming strokes rather than worrying about getting water in their ears and possibly getting infected. These earplugs are made of soft medical-grade silicone and are designed to cover some of the outer ear and the ear canal to create a secure yet comfortable seal to keep water out of the ears. You can easily wash these aquatic earplugs with warm water and air dry them to keep them clean and increase their longevity. Further, you can pair these earplugs with swimming goggles for better performance.
Pros
- Do not fall out easily
- Reusable
- Easy identifiable markings of R (Right) and L (Left)
- Comes with a portable case
Cons
- Might be small for some
- Removal might be slightly tedious
"Despite fitting snugly, they allow for decent hearing, which is a boon for my swim lessons. Its case is handy but takes some effort to shut completely. Still, the plugs do their job well and have become a staple in my swim routine."
Why We Think It's Worth Buying
The product has received 1,288 positive Amazon reviews from its users, stating its numerous benefits.
7. Best For Divers:JBL Spearfishing Hydro Seal Aqua Plugs
The aqua plugs by JBL offer inner ear protection without blocking out ambient noise. They feature Hocks Noise Braker technology and the patented multi-baffle design that allows you to hear surrounding noise and prevent any possible infection from water intrusion.
These earplugs are suitable for deep-water divers, swimmers, and surfers who may be unable to remove the earplugs to listen to the surrounding sound. You can use these earplugs while participating in watersports, as they won’t pop out.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic plugs
- Reusable and durable material
- Preformed for left and right ears for a custom fit
- Easy to remove
Cons
- Might be slightly bulky for some people
- Some may find the earplugs loose
"In addition to keeping the water from entering my ears, these also equalize the pressure when I enter the pool. They have also maintained their shape and color, even though I use them almost daily. I just wish they came in some more color options."
8. Best Textured:Putty Buddies Original Swimming Earplugs
Keep the water away from the ear canal with these colorful swimming earplugs. These reusable and noise-canceling earplugs come in a pack of three pairs and are suitable for children. They are made of soft silicone material that conforms to the natural contours of the ear and provides a customized fit.
Designed by a physician, they have a tacky-textured surface that ensures the plugs do not fall out while swimming or doing other water activities and helps prevent various infections.
Pros
- Lasts long
- Washable
- Can also be worn by adults
- Easy to use
Cons
- May block out all surrounding noise
- May get tangled in long hair
"These moldable earplugs have been excellent for keeping my son's ears dry during his swim lessons this summer. They are easy to use and fit comfortably, and the bright colors are fun. Besides, they've also withstood the sun and chlorine without fading."
Do remember9. Best Ergonomic Design:Arena Ergo Swimming Ear Plugs
Using liquid core technology, these swimming earplugs in bright colors are made from 100% liquid silicone and molded in an ergonomic shape that fits well to the natural contours of the ear. The compressed hollow stem allows ambient noise to enter the ear while also making the plugs easier to hold and remove after use. These pre-molded earplugs prevent the possible risk of infections such as otitis externa.
Pros
- Color-coded for easy identification
- Easy to use
- Hand-washable
- PVC-free
Cons
- Might be a bit uncomfortable for those with small ears
"They fit snugly and do a good job keeping water out of my ears without sacrificing too much of my hearing. I've had just one or two occasions where they popped out when I put my swim cap on, but they have generally held up well to regular use."
10. Best Recyclable:Alpine Hearing Protection SwimSafe Earplugs
When you plan on buying any accessories for swimming, you must consider factors such as safety, warranty, and international accreditation. These earplugs from Alpine are made of the patented Alpine ThermoShape following US and EU regulations, ensuring that you can hear even after wearing them. Apart from reducing the chances of infections, such as swimmer’s ear, these earplugs are an apt choice for swimmers with perforated eardrums or otitis. These CE-certified earplugs are made using minimal plastic and are recyclable and reusable.
Pros
- Hypoallergenic
- Sustainable
- Doesn’t block sound
- Easy to clean
- Silicone-free
- Minibox for carrying them around
- Tested and certified to ensure a 10 dB SNR noise reduction
Cons
- Easy to lose
- Some may find them hard to remove
"Be it keeping my ears dry while swimming or protecting them from cold air, these earplugs have proven reliable. Their hypoallergenic build has also kept allergic reactions at bay, and the storage case is a boon for portability."
11. Best With Waterproof Mesh:Hearprotek Custom-Fit Swimming Earplugs
This set of earplugs offers an air-tight seal to prevent water penetration. It has a waterproof mesh that lets you hear external sounds while wearing it and protects you from swimmer’s ear by snuggling in and resting comfortably. The earplugs are washable and reusable–simply rinse the earplugs in clean and warm water, and they are ready to be used again. Each pair also has its case so that you can keep it safe and clean.
Pros
- Available in two sizes
- Can cross-pair different sizes for custom fit
- Suitable for children and adults
- Ergonomically shaped
- Long-lasting
Cons
- May not be anti-slip
- Some may not find them 100% seepage-proof
"The best thing about these plugs is the earphone-like build that keeps them from falling out when I swim. They even let in some sounds, and the breathable mesh prevents irritation. Plus, the color and size options made choosing the right one for my needs straightforward."
How To Choose The Right Earplugs For Swimming?
Here’s a buying guide that contains important points that you must remember while buying an earplug for swimming.
- Maintenance: Earplugs made from different materials have different maintenance requirements. Ones made from silicone can be cleaned using warm water and mild soap. Once you’re done, store them in a storage case after drying them, and failing to do so can lead to the accumulation of dirt on them. Reusable silicone earplugs are easy to maintain as they are washable, durable, and last longer despite multiple usages. So we recommend reusable earplugs, especially those that come with a storage case.
- Age: Earplugs are broadly divided into kids and adult categories. However, many earplugs can be customized to suit different age groups, thanks to features like detachable wings. Adult earplugs are suitable for ages 15 and above, but if you are planning to buy earplugs for toddlers, you have to be very careful in choosing earplugs that are soft for them. Also, it would help if you constantly supervised your child as earplugs may contain small parts that toddlers tend to put into their mouths, leading to choking.
- Design: Swimming earplugs can vary from a simple design with just cones and flanges to complex designs like the ones with detachable wings for preventing the earplugs from falling off when they’re inserted into your ears. If you want a simple set of earplugs, you might not be able to hear your surroundings when you wear them. If you want to go for a complex design, we recommend ones that enable hearing when inserted into the ears. But in the end, it all narrows down to your taste and preferences.
Swimming is one of the best exercises that helps you keep your body healthy and rejuvenated. However, while you may enjoy swimming any time of the day, it is crucial you follow safety measures when having a fun time in the pool. Hence, get your hands on the best earplugs listed here to protect your ears from the water. Choosing the right type of swimming earplugs can keep you safe from water-borne diseases and ear irritations and helps cancel out outside noise, thus allowing you to enjoy your time in the swimming pool worry-free. When choosing an earplug, ensure it is made of safe materials and is hypoallergenic, and opt for a physician-recommended one for utmost safety. Further, it should be easy to maintain, perfectly sized, and designed to provide optimum comfort.
Infographic: How To Prevent Water From Entering The Ears When Swimming?
In addition to using well-fitting, functional, and safe earplugs while swimming, taking other precautionary measures before, during, and after swimming can help protect your ears against water-induced ear infections. Check out the infographic below to learn how to protect your ears when swimming.
Illustration: The Bridal Box Design Team
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